1. Dialysis Dilemma
Anemia and high blood pressure sometimes go hand in hand in people with kidney failure who are on dialysis. Dialysis, although necessary for a kidney patient's survival, carries certain complications. Healthy kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Lack of this hormone from a healthy kidney often produces anemia in dialysis patients. High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure. Too much fluid or sodium in kidney patients on dialysis makes high blood pressure even worse. This takes a toll on the remaining kidney function.
2. More Red Meat Please!
Anemia is associated with the inability to make enough healthy red blood cells for healthy bodily function. People with anemia often report being tired or irritable. Anemia can cause rapid heart beat and some memory loss as well and is more common in women than in men. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of variety is enough for most people to avoid anemia. Dark green leafy vegetables and red meats contain high levels of iron as do legumes, molasses and eggs. Often people trying to control cholesterol don't get enough iron in their diet and need a supplement. For most a good multivitamin may do the trick, but others may need an iron supplement recommended by their doctor to control anemia.
3. Slow Down on Salt
High blood pressure is hard on the kidneys, and improves through diet and lifestyle changes just like anemia. Patients with high blood pressure need less sodium and fat in their diets and more physical activity. In many cases people with high blood pressure require medication to keep their numbers within healthy limits. High blood pressure also causes stroke and heart attack.
4. High Blood Pressure vs. Anemia
Since both high blood pressure and anemia directly relate to kidney function they often come in pairs. High blood pressure damages healthy kidneys. Healthy kidneys produce the hormone that regulates red blood cell production. So, if kidneys damaged by high blood pressure aren't producing the red blood cell hormone, anemia is the result.
5. Healthy Blood Equals More Energy
Many people with anemia mistake it for other health conditions. Anemia makes you overly tired, and extra rest just doesn't help. People with intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease often experience periods of anemia since that's where absorption of minerals takes place. Women with premenstrual syndrome may require an iron supplement during those times of the month when their symptoms get worse.
